The primary suspect in the Shakahola massacre, Paul Nthege Mackenzie, utilized scripture and conspiracy theories to radicalize his followers, as presented in court on Wednesday.
The court was informed that this approach facilitated the promotion of a perilous doomsday ideology, resulting in the deaths of over 400 individuals.
While testifying before Shanzu Principal Magistrate Leah Juma, Consultant Forensic Psychologist Dr. Oscar Githua elaborated on how Mackenzie leveraged his influence and charisma to indoctrinate his followers under the pretense of religious salvation.
Dr. Githua, who performed psychological assessments on Mackenzie’s followers, noted that many exhibited signs of severe radicalization, which were apparent in their unique attire, obsessive prayer habits, and deteriorating physical health.
He identified five fundamental indicators that connected the group to violent extremism and the potential for terrorist activities.
“This included the adoption of sacred values and beliefs so profoundly held that they justified even death,” Dr. Githua stated.
“They perceived the physical world, encompassing education, healthcare, and government services, as evil. Engaging in systems such as the Huduma Number was regarded as defilement and an obstacle to salvation.”
One of the most alarming discoveries was what Dr. Githua referred to as “empathy delusion,” a psychological state in which followers believed that permitting or aiding their loved ones, including children, to perish from starvation was an act of spiritual purity.
“It is unprecedented, but some mothers assisted their children in dying. This highlights the extent of their radicalization,” he remarked.
Mackenzie, through his Good News International Church, disseminated apocalyptic messages that intertwined distorted biblical interpretations with conspiracy theories.
He labeled governments as cultic and demonic, warned against modern identity systems like the Huduma Number, and claimed a global satanic agenda was in play.
His sermons bore provocative titles such as “Anti-Christ,” “The Fallen Babylon,” “Katiba ni Mambo ya Shetani” (The Constitution Is the Devil’s Work), and “Mwanadamu ni Shetani” (Man Is the Devil).
Investigators also recovered books from Mackenzie’s compound, including “The New World Order” by controversial American author Ralph Epperson, known for promoting fringe conspiracies.
Dr Githua drew parallels between the Shakahola massacre and other cult tragedies across the globe.
“The signs were consistent with historical cult disasters,” he said.
“This was a copy-and-paste of events in Guyana, Uganda and the United States.”
He specifically cited the 1978 Jonestown massacre in Guyana, where over 900 followers of Jim Jones died in a mass murder-suicide.
The deaths of over 700 members of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God in Uganda.
The 1993 siege in Waco, Texas, where 88 followers of David Koresh and his Branch Davidians died in a confrontation with US federal agents.
“In all these cases, followers were isolated in remote areas, cut off from government oversight, and subjected to the absolute authority of a leader who used physical, emotional and sometimes sexual abuse to maintain control,” Dr Githua said.
“The groups rejected all forms of government and embraced extreme obedience, ultimately resulting in mass fatalities.”
The court also heard that Mackenzie encouraged his followers to relocate to the remote Shakahola forest to await the end of the world.
This isolation, coupled with indoctrination, allowed for unchecked abuse and control.
The prosecution team, led by Assistant DPP Jami Yamina and Senior Principal Prosecution Counsels Juma Victor Owiti and Betty Rubia, emphasised that Mackenzie’s teachings and actions constituted a calculated and dangerous manipulation of faith for extremist ends.